Mirror, Mirror… (Margaret Young)
James 1:22-25 [22] Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. [23] Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror [24] and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. [25] But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it---not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it---they will be blessed in what they do.
Isn’t it amazing? Not one of us can see our own face except we look in the mirror! And what do we see? Dirty face? Untidy hair? Stubble? If we don’t do something about it we go away and forget the mess! It’s still there.
James says we do exactly the same thing when we listen to or read the Word of God. What was the sermon about last Sunday? …Forgotten? When we do our Bible reading what did it say? Half an hour later we’re busy, and have forgotten! Verse 25 advises “look intently.”
Let’s compare it to eating a meal. We can’t live on the look or smell of a delicious meal! We need to take a mouthful at a time, chew it, swallow and digest it. Enjoy it! A process.
We look intently. What does it say? Is there something that reflects the mess inside? Do I need to repent and accept forgiveness? Don’t switch off! Don’t forget! Do it! …The promise. “They will be blessed in what they do.”
Prayer. Our Father,we give you thanks for our freedom to listen to and read your Word. Please help us to really listen to what You are saying to us,and enable us to obey. Thank You for Your promise of blessing. In Jesus Name. Amen.